Getting the Most Out of Your Summer Program

by Autumn Shelton

After months of editing essays, studying for the ACT, and fine-tuning extracurriculars, the application cycle for most summer programs is over. Now all you can do is wait. It is an exciting and nerve-wracking time. This article is devoted to discussing how to handle rejection and how to make the most of your acceptances.

Tip #1: You are going to be okay.

You just received the email of a lifetime. Your heart is beating out of your chest. You open the link and all you see is: rejected. Hours upon hours of work have been wasted. Never can you be happy again. “Woe is me,” you think as you begin to binge Netflix and scarf a pint of Ben and Jerry’s.

After a couple hours, it is time to move on. There are other scholarships and programs to apply to.

Yes, it is sad, but there is always more opportunities. Be proactive! Go out and get them.

Tip #2: You got in! Yay! Happy dance time!

Now here is the hard part: You have to stay on top of things until your program begins, whether that be in May or August. Make a to-do list. There will be so many things coming up between now and the program that you need to write it down. You don’t want to have your admission revoked because you forgot to do a page of paperwork or pay the final payment.

Tip #3: Keep an Open Mind

There are going to be people who are way different than you are. Enjoy it! Soak in the different cultures, voices, and ideas presented. Use this time to think outside the box and learn new things you otherwise would never get the chance to in your hometown.

Tip #4: Join the Facebook/Instagram/Snapchat Group

Even if you don’t have a Facebook page or Snapchat, make one. This gives you a chance to connect with others early on and make easy friends. Plus, this makes you even more excited about your upcoming program.

Tip #5: Research. Research. Research.

Go on the pre-college program’s Wikipedia page. Look at College Confidential forums about your program and insider secrets needed to know to make the program more enjoyable. Before you commit 2-8 weeks of your summer at a college, you should educate yourself as much as possible.

Tip #6: Have fun

Yes, you are at a summer program to learn and challenge yourself, but also to have an experience of a lifetime. So take it all in and relax. You earned it.